U.S. patent application number 11/775164 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-17 for surgical scrub brush and cleaner apparatus.
Invention is credited to JAMES BROWN, JACK W. KAUFMAN.
Application Number | 20080010766 11/775164 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46328978 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080010766 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KAUFMAN; JACK W. ; et
al. |
January 17, 2008 |
SURGICAL SCRUB BRUSH AND CLEANER APPARATUS
Abstract
A scrub brush-sponge includes a base provided with a recessed
peripheral lip, which has a plurality of attenuated regions
configured to minimize the resistance of the base to external
bending forces, and a sponge coupled to the base and made from
polymeric material, which may have as low a PPI as 10. The sponge
is configured so that it can effectively surround at least a
substantial peripheral portion of instruments or portions to be
treated with fluid, which is contained within the sponge, without
applying substantial external forces to the base. A flexible layer
made of woven or non-woven bonded polymeric fibers is on a
scrubbing surface of the sponge and provides an enhanced scrubbing
feature. An abrasive may be included on the flexible layer to
further enhance the scrubbing feature.
Inventors: |
KAUFMAN; JACK W.; (Merrick,
NY) ; BROWN; JAMES; (Armonk, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LACKENBACH SIEGEL, LLP
LACKENBACH SIEGEL BUILDING
1 CHASE ROAD
SCARSDALE
NY
10583
US
|
Family ID: |
46328978 |
Appl. No.: |
11/775164 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11141938 |
Jun 1, 2005 |
7260863 |
|
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11775164 |
Jul 9, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/114 ; 15/118;
15/160; 15/210.1; 15/220.4; 15/244.1; 15/244.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 15/0055 20130101;
B08B 1/00 20130101; A46B 7/04 20130101; A61B 90/70 20160201; A46B
2200/3033 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/114 ;
015/118; 015/160; 015/210.1; 015/220.4; 015/244.1; 015/244.4 |
International
Class: |
A47L 13/00 20060101
A47L013/00 |
Claims
1. A scrub brush-sponge for treating a medical instrument,
comprising: a base; and a sponge coupled to the base and provided
with an inner surface, the inner surface defining a channel open
away from the base and configured to receive a body of the medical
instrument therein so that the inner surface of the sponge extends
complementary to and is juxtaposed with a peripheral portion of the
body of the medical instrument; and a flexible layer on at least a
portion of the inner surface defining the channel.
2. The scrub brush-sponge of claim 1, wherein: the channel has an
inner substantially annular region and two outer substantially
rectilinear regions opposing one another so that when no external
force is applied to the sponge, the opposing rectilinear regions
are spaced apart, and when the external force is applied to the
sponge, the opposing rectilinear regions are displaceable towards
one another so as to increase a contact area between the body of
the medical instrument and at least one of the inner surface of the
sponge and the flexible layer.
3. The scrub brush-sponge of claim 2, wherein: the two opposing
rectilinear regions of the inner surface of the sponge each have a
respective pair of inner and outer sub-regions configured so that
when the external compression force is not applied, the inner and
outer sub-regions of each pair extend transversely to one
another.
4. The scrub brush-sponge of claim 3, wherein: the inner
sub-regions of the two opposing rectilinear regions of the inner
surface of the sponge extend in substantially parallel planes,
whereas the outer sub-regions extend in planes diverging outwardly
from one another.
5. The scrub brush-sponge of claim 1, wherein: the sponge has a
bottom bonded to the base and two spaced apart side walls bridged
by the bottom and extending outwardly therefrom so that, when no
external force is applied to the base, the sponge has a
substantially U-shaped or C-shaped cross-section, and when the
external force is applied, the sponge tends to assume a
substantially annular shape and to enclose the body of the medical
instrument.
6. The scrub brush-sponge of claim 1, wherein: the base has a
respective bottom receiving the sponge and provided with at least
one peripheral lip region, the at least one peripheral lip region
extending upwards from the support surface and centering the sponge
on the base.
7. The scrub brush-sponge of claim 6, wherein: the peripheral lip
has a plurality of hinge regions spaced from one another and each
configured to increase flexibility of the base upon applying an
external force to the base.
8. The scrub brush-sponge of claim 7, wherein: the plurality of
hinge regions each are at least one of a concavely or convexly
configured shape for facilitating thereby flexing of the base in
response to applying the external force.
9. The scrub brush-sponge of claim 7, wherein: the plurality of
hinge regions each have a respective thickness smaller than a
thickness of adjacent portions of the peripheral lip.
10. The scrub brush-sponge of claim 6, wherein: the peripheral lip
has a plurality of cut lines shaped and dimensioned to increase
flexibility of the base upon applying an external force.
11. The scrub brush-sponge of claim 10, wherein: the plurality of
cut lines each extend into the bottom of the base.
12. The scrub brush-sponge of claim 6, wherein: the bottom of the
base has a plurality of elongated slots opening into opposite inner
and outer sides of the bottom, the slots being shaped and
dimensioned to increase flexibility of the base upon applying an
external force to the base.
13. The scrub brush-sponge of claim 12, wherein: the outer side of
the bottom of the base has a plurality of bristles inserted in rows
of different height so that the outer side of the bottom of the
base has a generally C-shaped or U-shaped trough spaced
substantially uniformly from opposite edges of the bottom and
dimensioned to receive an item for scrubbing.
14. The scrub brush-sponge of claim 6, wherein: the peripheral lip
of the base is endless and has an inner surface coextending with
and pressing upon a bottom of the sponge so as to retain the sponge
centered on the base as the base is being flexed upon applying and
releasing an external force to the base.
15. The scrub brush-sponge of claim 1, wherein: the sponge is made
of foam having a PPI ranging between about 10 to about 200.
16. A scrub brush-sponge, comprising: a base having a peripheral
lip extending outwards from the base and provided with a plurality
of hinge regions, the plurality of hinge regions each being
operative to facilitate bending of the base upon applying thereto
an external force; a sponge coupled to the base within the
peripheral lip and provided with an inner surface, the inner
surface defining a channel open away from the base and configured
to receive a body of the medical instrument therein so that the
inner surface of the sponge extends complementary to and is
juxtaposed with a peripheral portion of the body of the medical
instrument for scrubbing; and a flexible layer on at least a
portion of the inner surface defining the channel.
17. A scrub brush-sponge, according to claim 16, the flexible layer
is at least one of a woven and a non-woven synthetic material,
thereby enhancing a scrubbing action.
18. A scrub brush-sponge, according to claim 17, wherein: said
flexible layer further comprises: an abrasive material bonded to
the flexible layer, whereby scrubbing is further enhanced.
19. A scrub brush-sponge, according to claim 16, further comprises
the flexible layer is a non-woven synthetic material; and the
flexible layer further includes an abrasive material bonded to the
flexible layer, thereby enhancing a scrubbing action.
20. A scrub brush-sponge, according to claim 16, wherein: the
channel includes an inner substantially annular region and two
outer substantially rectilinear regions opposing one another so
that when no external force is applied to the sponge, the opposing
rectilinear regions are spaced apart, and when the external force
is applied to the sponge, the opposing rectilinear regions are
displaceable towards one another so as to increase a contact area
between the body of the medical instrument and at least one of the
inner surface of the sponge and the flexible layer.
21. A scrub brush-sponge, according to claim 16, further
comprising: the outer side of the bottom of the base has a
plurality of bristles inserted in rows thereon projecting away from
of the sponge.
22. A scrub brush-sponge, according to claim 21, wherein: the
bristles include bristles of differing heights so that the outer
side of the bottom bristle-side of the base has a generally
C-shaped or U-shaped trough spaced substantially uniformly from
opposite edges of the bottom and dimensioned to receive an item for
scrubbing.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part from, and claims
priority to U.S. Ser. No. 11/141,939 filed Jun. 1, 2005, the entire
contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
SELECTED FIGURE FOR PUBLICATION
[0002] FIG. 5.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to scrub sponges, and
particularly, relates to scrub brush-sponges associated with a
variety of medical procedures and adaptable for treating medical
instruments.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Numerous brush structures are known in the art. Some of
these structures are functionally effective as well as convenient
in use or ergonomic. While a minor amount of brush modification
continues, surprisingly, scrub brushes used by medical
professionals have not been substantially modified for quite some
time. Structurally, a typical scrub brush has a base coupled to a
rectangular sponge, which is saturated with antiseptic, germicide
and/or soapy fluid and has a generally rectangular cross-sectional
shape.
[0007] In the medical field, many scrub brush-sponges have a, great
variety of adaptations. Besides traditional functions, such as
cleaning the hands of the professional, removing blood and treating
wounds, the brushes also may be used for cleaning a variety of
medical instruments, particularly those instruments that need to be
sterilized or, at least, cleaned repeatedly during a surgical
procedure.
[0008] While such rectangular sponges may effectively clean flat
surfaces, they may be less effective while treating annular
surfaces, which are rather typical for a great variety of medical
instruments. Particularly, many of the medical instruments, which
are used for invasive procedures such as colonoscopy or other
diagnostic procedures, to name a few, have substantially circular
bodies. Customarily, surgical medical instruments undergo thorough
sterilization before the beginning of the medical procedure.
However, as mentioned above, many instruments can be reused during
the same medical procedure and, thus, have to be repeatedly cleaned
before each subsequent use.
[0009] Since the base of the typical brush may not be sufficiently
flexible, the user has to apply excessive bending forces to flex
the base so that the sponge would surround the annular body of the
medical instrument. Otherwise, without flexing the base, a typical
rectangular sponge may clean only a segment of the entire annular
body, which leads to a time-ineffective cleaning process in a
situation often requiring the instantaneous availability of any
given instrument.
[0010] Assuming that the user does not experience any difficulty in
flexing the scrub brush-sponge for cleaning medical instruments,
the scrub still may remain inefficient, because the surface of the
sponge is typically smooth. The smoothness, at least partially,
depends on the number of pores per inch (PPI). The higher the PPI
the smoother the surface. And while a typical smooth surface is
perhaps pleasant for cleaning the user's hands, it may be
ineffective for cleaning the metallic or other surfaces of medical
instruments.
[0011] A need, therefore, exists for a scrub brush-sponge
configured with an ergonomic structure that enables the user to
clean medical instruments in a time-effective manner
[0012] Still a further need exists for a scrub brush-sponge having
a structure that can be sufficiently flexible to enable the user to
effectively clean medical instruments in a relatively effortless
manner.
[0013] Another need exists for a scrub brush-sponge configured with
a sponge that is characterized by as relatively low PPI for
effectively scrubbing the surface of numerous medical
instruments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention is directed to a scrub brush-sponge
that satisfies at least one of these needs. The inventive brush
includes a base made from flexible material and a sponge coupled to
the body and saturated with a selected fluid. When during an
invasive procedure, the professional performing the procedure needs
to reuse a previously used medical instrument, he or she may
sterilize or clean this instrument with the inventive brush. Since
many of the medical instruments have a substantially annular shape,
the sponge of the inventive scrub is provided with a channel, which
is shaped so that when the professional places the instrument
within the channel, the inner surface of the sponge surrounds at
least a portion of instrument's body. An additional flexible
scrubbing layer may be included and may optionally include abrasive
material of a suitable grit for cleaning or abrading the surface
requiring cleaning.
[0015] Upon applying an insignificant or minor amount of
manipulative force to the base of the inventive brush-sponge, the
professional is then able to bring opposing sidewalls of the sponge
towards one another and, depending on the outer dimensions of the
instrument, practically surround the entire periphery of the
instrument's body by the sponge. Finally, displacing the
brush-sponge and instrument relative to one another, the
professional can treat the surface of the instrument in a
time-effective and efficient manner.
[0016] As is known, the sponge may be used for numerous purposes
including, for example, cleaning the hands of the professional,
treating cuts and wounds and, as discussed above, sterilizing
instruments. Depending on the particular application, the surface
of the sponge may be relatively smooth, which is particularly
important while treating the patient's open wounds, or relatively
rough, which may be advantageous for cleaning the instruments.
[0017] Accordingly, one criterion as the number of pores per inch
(PPI) plays a particularly important role for choosing the sponge
for a particular purpose. Increasing the PPI leads to a relatively
smoother surface, while decreasing the PPI makes the surface of the
sponge relatively more abrasive. In accordance with one of the
inventive aspects, the PPI can be as low (at the extreme) as about
10 and as high as about 200 pores per inch. Setting the PPI is a
selective compromise depending upon a variety of factors proposed
in this invention.
[0018] In addition to the smoothness of the surface, a relatively
high PPI improves the capacity of the sponges to distribute
treating fluid numerous times (meaning the high PPI sponge retains
a lot of fluid and produces suds easily), but a high PPI also
reduces the volume of the delivered fluid. In contrast, sponges
with a relatively low PPI, for example a PPI from 10 to 60,
delivers a greater volume of liquid-fluid at once, but thereafter
becomes dry rather quickly. In other words, the low PPI sponge suds
easily but also releases a higher volume of
washing/cleaning/sterilizing fluid to carry away released
debris.
[0019] As mentioned above, the professional, of course, has to
apply some amount of manipulative force to the base of the
inventive brush in order to surround (bend) a portion of the brush
or sponge about a portion of the instrument's body as the
dimensions of the sponge's channel or brush channel would
allow.
[0020] To facilitate bending of the base in either direction (for
scrubbing or sponge usage), which causes the sidewalls of the base
to approach one another in either direction, the base of the
inventive scrub brush-sponge has a plurality of attenuated hinge
regions provided along the edges of the base so as to minimize
bending and twisting resistance to the applied force. Alternatively
or, preferably, in combination with the hinge regions, the edges or
corner of the base are recessed to even further increase the
flexibility of the base. In an additional embodiment, both the
edges of the base and the base floor itself may be provided with
cut-lines, or cut out portions, that act as slip plains and allow
sections of the base edge to move relative to one another or that
allow a floor of the base to shift relative to an adjacent the base
edge portion.
[0021] The outer side of the base has a plurality of bristles
arranged in numerous rows. Bristles defining a group of rows, which
are located substantially midway between opposite edges of the
base, have a height gradually decreasing towards the centerline of
the base so that the free ends of the non-uniform bristles define a
C-shaped or U-shaped trough. Obviously, the width of the trough may
be selected so as to receive a segment of the annular body of the
instrument to be scrubbed. Of course, such adaptation of the
inventive scrub brush-sponge does not exclude other, more
traditional functions of the brush including, for example, cleaning
nails. Additionally, while the above shapes may be preferred for
the reasons noted, it is additionally envisioned that alternative
shapes may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope
of the present invention.
[0022] As an additional and alternative feature of the present
invention a sponge member having a geometric shape is additionally
provided with an inner flexible non-woven material layer that may
or may not include an additional abrasive having a selectable grit
suitable for the cleaning purposes discussed herein.
[0023] These and other features and aspects of the present
invention will become apparent from the following description read
in conduction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is an elevational side view of one embodiment of the
inventive scrub brush-sponge provided with a channel formed within
a sponge member.
[0025] FIG. 2 is an elevational side view of another embodiment of
inventive scrub brush-sponge and illustrates a recessed peripheral
lip formed on the scrub's base.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the inventive scrub
brush-sponge of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the inventive scrub
brush-sponge configured in accordance with the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative second
embodiment of the scrub brush-sponge.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of
FIG. 5 shown during a use.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a partial end view of the scrub brush-sponge
during a use noting edge region contact.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative construction
of the present invention in a third alternative embodiment
providing a flexible gripper housing on an outer portion
thereof.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fourth alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fifth alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a sixth alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments
of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in
the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts
or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to
precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only,
directional terms, such as top, bottom, up, down, over, above, and
below may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar
directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the
invention in any manner. The words "connect," "couple," and similar
terms with their inflectional morphemes do not necessarily denote
direct and immediate connections, but also include connections
through mediate elements or devices.
[0036] FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 illustrate a scrub brush-sponge 10, which
is configured to provide a treatment of an annular body of a
medical instrument that can be used more than once during the same
medical procedure including, but not limited to, colonoscopy. As
shown in FIG. 4, scrub brush-sponge 10 includes a base 12 and a
sponge 14 typically bonded to base 12. Coupling between the base
and sponge may be realized in a variety of ways subject only to
reliable contact between these components during the use of scrub
brush-sponge 10. As a rule, a scrub brush-sponge is a disposable
item and, in addition to cleaning of instruments, can perform
standard operations such as cleaning the hands and nails of the
professional, wetting and disinfecting the wounds of the patients
and others.
[0037] As every other medical item, scrub brush-sponge 10 has to
effectively operate for the intended purposes and be ergonomic so
as to provide the professional with maximum possible convenience.
Both criteria are readily met by the inventive brush-sponge due to
a few inventive features that can be implemented separately or,
preferably, in combination with one another.
[0038] To enhance cleaning of the instrument's body that may have
an annular or polygonal cross-section, it is necessary that the
opposing surfaces of sponge 14 and the instrument have as large a
contact area as possible. Substantially surrounding the instrument
by sponge 14 allows the professional to sterilize the instrument's
surface in a time-effective manner as well as to have a reliable
grip by pressing the sponge against the instrument. Providing
sponge 14 with a channel 30 (FIGS. 1, 3 and 4), which is configured
to receive the instrument's body, attains this objective.
[0039] In use, the professional places the instrument within
channel 30 by spreading sidewalls 18 of sponge's body 16 (FIG. 4)
apart and eventually lands the instrument within an arcuate region
24 of channel 30. Arcuate region 24 may be variously dimensioned to
accommodate differently sized and shaped instruments, but, ideally,
this region is large enough to have an inner surface 25 (FIG. 4) of
sponge 14 extend complementary to a substantial peripheral segment
of the instrument.
[0040] Thereafter, the professional applies an insignificant
compression force F (FIG. 4) to the opposite sides of base 12 so as
to bring free ends of sidewalls 18 of sponge 14 closer to one
another. As a consequence, a gap between outer free end regions of
sidewalls 18 above the inserted instrument is minimized and may be
closed, which allows inner surface 25 of sponge 12 to substantially
surround the instrument. Displacement of scrub brush-sponge 10 and
the instrument to be sterilized relative to one another completes
the treatment of the instrument in a time effective and efficient
manner. Obviously, this positioning process may be reversed, and
the instrument may be placed within trough 54 and the base curved
to increase scrubbing contact.
[0041] Free end regions of sidewalls 18 each have a respective
rectilinear region 22 (FIG. 4) of channel 30, which is configured
with a pair of inner sub-region 28 and outer sub-region 26 (FIGS.
1, 3 and 4). While inner sub-regions 28 of opposing rectilinear
regions 22 lie in substantially parallel planes, outer sub-regions
26 diverge outwards from one another when the professional does not
apply compression force F to base 12. If the instrument to be
sterilized has dimensions comparable to or larger than the
dimensions of arcuate or annular region 24 of channel 30, the
professional may apply an additional compression force sufficient
to bring inner end sub regions 28 together and completely surround
the instrument within channel 30. Preferably, outer sub regions 26
do not abut one another in response to applying compression force F
and, as a result, form a V-shaped path guiding squeezed fluid away
from the hands of the professional rather than allowing it to flow
over the hands.
[0042] The sponge 14 is made from polymeric material, such as
polyurethane foam and, as mentioned before, can be adapted for
various medical procedures in addition to cleaning medical
instruments. Depending on the PPI, the sponge can be successfully
adapted, among others, in orthopedic operations, procedures
performed by podiatrists and oculists. Clearly, each of these
medical procedures requires that sponge 12 have a relatively smooth
or rough outer surface. For example, obese people preferably use a
smooth sponge for cleaning and disinfecting body parts that are
covered by folds of fat. To provide such a smooth surface, sponge
14 may have its body 16 (FIG. 4) formed with a higher concentration
of pores 32 (FIG. 1), whose PPI may vary from about 70 to about
200, resulting in a smoother surface texture and greater SVD
forming capacity.
[0043] In contrast, cleaning the instruments may be more efficient
if sponge 14 would have a relatively abrasive outer surface. For
this purposes, body 16 of sponge 14 may have a very low PPI ranging
between about 10 and about 15. It should be obvious to those
skilled in the art that decreasing pore count increases relative
pore volume.
[0044] Sponge 14 has a rather flat bottom 20 (FIG. 4), which is
coupled to an inner side 36 (FIG. 4) of the bottom of base 12. To
position sponge 14 in a desirable, centered position on base 12,
the latter has a body made from of relatively firm but flexible
polymeric material, such as polyethylene, and a peripheral lip
which defines the bottom of base 12 and extends therefrom to
peripherally abut the bottom portion of sponge 14. The lip includes
two relatively long lip segments 38 bridged by relatively short lip
segments 40 (FIG. 4). Since compression force F is typically, but
not always, applied to long sides of base 12, long lip segments 38
have a greater height than short lip segments 40 and, therefore,
engage a greater area of the bottom portion of sponge 14 to ensure
that the latter does not voluntarily move out of engagement with
base 12. The inner surface of lip segments 38, 40 has a ledge 50
(FIGS. 1 and 4) extending inwards from these segments and
configured to press against the opposing surface of sponge 14, as
better illustrated in FIG. 1. An adhesive joins sponge 14 with base
12, as shown.
[0045] Bending base 12 may not be an easy task without the
improvements provided by the present invention. During use the
flexibility of base 12 is critical to proper functioning of sponge
14. To help the professional easily bend base 12, at least some of,
but preferably all four, lip segments 38, 40 have attenuated hinge
regions 42 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 4). When the professional applies
compression force F, hinge regions 42 easily collapse providing
minimal (substantially reduced) resistance to the applied force.
Not only the area occupied by each hinge region is thinner than the
rest of a respective lip, but also this area is arcuately indented
either outwards or inwards, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Due to the
convexity or concavity of the hinge regions, brush-sponge 10 can be
repeatedly squeezed without damaging regions 42.
[0046] To further improve the flexibility of base 12, lip segments
38, 40 can also have a plurality of cut lines 56 (FIG. 2) defining,
thus, a plurality of lip sub segments that can move relative to
each other along cut-line slip plains. Cut lines 56 may terminate
before reaching the bottom of the lip segments, as illustrated in
FIG. 2. Alternatively, cut lines 56 may extend into the bottom of
base 12 to aid increased torsional and arcuate curvature during use
to aid scrubbing and sterilization.
[0047] To prevent accumulation of fluid squeezed out of sponge 14
and to further improve flexibility of base 12, its bottom is
provided with an arrangement of elongated slots and holes 44, 46,
respectively, (FIG. 4). The entire base can be molded in one piece
with the aid of mold-cavity inserts for a first-shot and a
second-shot injection as is well known per se. To reinforce base
12, its bottom may have additional reinforcing frame 48 (FIG. 4)
including multiple spaced strips, which extend between relatively
long lip segments 38 of the base.
[0048] An outer side 34 (FIGS. 1 and 3) of the base's bottom is
molded with a plurality of rows of bristles 52 preferably made of
the same material as base 12. Primarily, the bristles are used for
cleaning the fingernails of the professional. In addition, the
bristles may be used as a scrubbing surface for cleaning the
instruments. Similarly to channel 30 formed in sponge 14, bristles
52 may be arranged so as to define a central trough 54 (FIGS. 1, 3
and 4) configured to receive a substantial portion the peripheral
surface of the instrument. To form trough 54, bristles 52 arranged
in central rows have their height gradually reducing towards the
centerline of outer surface 34, whereas rows of bristles 52 located
along opposite sides of outer surface 34 have uniformly dimensioned
bristles. Accordingly, trough 54 may have a generally C-shaped or
U-shaped cross-section.
[0049] Bristles 52 may be formed with uniform stiffness.
Alternatively, the bristles forming outer rows may be made from
relatively soft materials, making them ideal for the cleaning of
fingernails or promoting the foaming of fluid, such as soap
solution, which is contained in sponge 14. At the same time, the
flexibility of bristles defining central rows may be lower so as to
enhance the scrubbing effect.
[0050] In a first alternative example, while the sponge illustrated
in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 has a generally C-shaped or U-shaped
cross-section, it may easily have a generally rectilinear or
rectangular shape, as shown in FIG. 2. Furthermore, while the
enhanced flexibility of the inventive scrub brush-sponge has been
mainly explained as a result of applying compression forces for
scrubbing surgical instruments, this flexibility can be equally
useful in treating body portions that are difficult to access to
difficult to clean. For instance, feet in general, and toes in
particular, fingers, and the face are difficult to clean,
particularly in the morbidly obese or in the violently injured to
remove debris. In this regard, any bending or twisting force, not
only the compression force, can be applied to the base so as to
have the inventive scrub brush-sponge assume the desirable shape
and clean properly.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7 a second alternative embodiment
of the present invention is provided at scrub brush-sponge 100
which is configured to provide treatment of an annular body of a
medical instrument 500. It is recognized that the organic matter
adhered to the outer surface of the annular body of medical
instrument 500 may be difficult to remove, may be adhesive to the
annular surface itself (for example as a mucus, as a protein
chemical reaction, as a starch-like glue, or in other ways known to
those of skill in the biological arts). The outer generally annular
surface is flexible and is composed of a tough and flexible
polymeric material, such as polypropylene (PP), PEX, or any of a
number of suitable polymeric materials suitable for the intended
medical use of instrument 500.
[0052] A first side of scrub brush-sponge 100 includes base 12A and
a sponge member 14A typically bonded to base 12A as was discussed
above. An additional layer 101 is adhesively bonded to sponge
member 14A as noted, from the outer engaging parallel and
non-parallel surfaces, respectively 28A, 28A and 26A, 26A.
[0053] Additional layer 101 is a relatively thin and flexible layer
and is selected from a variety of woven and non-woven materials,
each constructed from a polymeric fiber, and additionally, a layer
of abrasive material may be included or not-included as bonded to
the additional layer 101, employing bonding processes known to
those in the abrasive-bonding arts.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment, additional flexible layer 101 is
crafted from a non-woven polymeric material and includes an
abrasive grit bonded integrally to and within the non-woven
polymeric material. Where such an abrasive grit is used it will be
recognized that the grit material may be of any kind currently
employed in the abrasive fields (Alumina Oxide, Silicon Carbide,
Zircon, etc.) without departing from the scope and spirit of the
present invention. It will be similarly recognized that the size of
the abrasive grit may be selected according a desired abrasive
degree (for example between a rough 60 grit to an ultra file 600
grit abrasive) without departing from the scope and spirit of the
present invention. Consequently, it will be recognized that
according to a manufacturer's desire for diverse application, the
type of flexible material selected (woven or non-wove, and type of
polymeric material), the amount of abrasive material employed (from
none up to approximately 80% abrasive material), and the amount and
type of abrasive grit (from 60 grit to over 600 grit) may be
selected to adapt to a particular cleaning circumstance.
[0055] As will be noted specifically in FIGS. 6 and 7, while it is
preferred to position the annular surface of medical instrument 500
within inner channel 30A, the present embodiment 100, provides an
extension of flexible material 101 along the angled regions and
parallel wall regions 26A, 28A, as noted in FIGS. 6 and 7.
Consequently, as noted in FIG. 7, where opposing forces F', F' is
directly applied sponge member 14A molds itself to the annular
surface for effective cleaning. It is also important to recognize
that flexible layer 101 may also be effective at removing organic
debris when used without abrasive material (grit) by the use of
mechanical abrasion with the woven or non-woven synthetic
material.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 8, an alternative embodiment of the
present scrub brush-sponge member 200 is provided including a
flexible layer 101 within a sponge member 201 bonded to a brush
base 212. In the present embodiment 200, brush base 212 is provided
with additional extension gripping wings 201 that extend from side
walls 238 and may optionally include gripping bumps 202 or any
other kind of gripping aid that is flexible (openings, studs,
projections, ridges, etc.).
[0057] The present embodiment for scrub brush-sponge member 200 is
provided as an additional force embodiment allowing a user to grip
the entire sponge with annular surface within the central U or
C-shaped channel and provide additional pressure with gripping
wings 201. Gripping wings 201 are not provided with a complete
closure of the sponge body 214 so as to allow sufficient flexible
space before contacting in the middle during a use (See FIG. 7 for
example). As a consequence, gripping wings 201 allow for additional
scrubbing-force transfer to the annular surface of medical
instrument 500 during use for improved debris removal.
[0058] In addition, the embodiment of FIG. 8 may include flexible
layer 101 completely within the upper lip members of the U or
C-shaped cavity region in a manner similar to the embodiment shown
in FIGS. 5-7. While, gripping wings 201 have a stiffness similar to
the wall regions of base member 212, it is envisioned that for the
present embodiment, gripping wings 201 may be constructed from a
thicker polymeric material or different polymeric material with
enhanced stiffness.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 9, an alternative embodiment 300 is
provided with a bottom sponge member 314 and a top sponge member
314A. A polymeric and flexible binding bridge member 315 having a
premetral side wall 316 is provided for bonding top and bottom
sponge members respectively. It will be recognized that bridge
member 316 may be shaped similarly to the central support member of
bottom brush 12 discussed above, but with bristles 52 being
replaced by the foam brush shaped as shown.
[0060] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, bottom sponge member 314
includes the flexible layer 101 along the C-shaped region 317, and
an opposing U-shaped region 318 is formed in top sponge member 314A
without a flexible layer 101, although a flexible layer may be
provided in U-shaped region 318 without departing from the scope of
the present invention. Consequently, embodiment 300 is provided
with two opposing regions for scrubbing the annular surface of
medical instrument 500, either or both of which may include a
flexible scrubbing layer 101 as discussed above.
[0061] Referring now to FIG. 10, another alternative embodiment of
the present invention is provided as scrubber brush 400 having a
bottom foam brush member 412 having a central C or U-shaped opening
and a flexible bonding member 413 shaped as the central bonding
member 40 noted in FIG. 1 having flexible side walls 438 with
bending regions etc. The alternative and adaptive aspect of
scrubber brush 400 is that bristles 52 (FIG. 1) are replaced with a
generally planar flexible member 101 flexibly bonded to the top
surface of central bonding member 413. One benefit of the present
embodiment is that the flexible layer 101 (which may be abrasive or
non-abrasive and woven or non-woven) is provided with a large
surface area relative to the overall size of scrubber brush
400.
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 11, another alternative embodiment of
the present invention is provided with a v-shaped scrubber brush
member 500 containing a general foam member 514 shaped as shown
with a converging U- or C-shaped channel having a nexus for
reaching difficult-to-reach-and-scrub regions of medical instrument
500. As a consequence of the converging design, two specific
scrubbing work regions 101A, 101B of flexible member 101 are
provided. With two separate scrubbing regions 101A, 101B, it is
possible that one region include a feature different from the
other. For example, flexible scrubbing region 101A may include a
low grit (e.g., 150 grit) flexible polymeric mesh and second
flexible scrubbing region for initial scrubbing tasks, and flexible
scrubbing region 101B may be provided with a high grit (e.g., 600
grit) or smoother scrubbing region for completion scrubbing or more
delicate cleaning tasks.
[0063] A flexible bonding member 512 is provided having projecting
side walls 513 for adhesively receiving foam member 514 and an
opposing-side handle 520 for promoting firm gripping for additional
scrubbing tasks.
[0064] One particular advantage of embodiment 500 is the ability to
firmly grip handle 520 in a user's hand and rock the converging
side shapes of foam member 514 along the length of the annular
surface in order to promote more uniform pressure contact during a
user's arm movement from side to side.
[0065] In an alternative embodiment, the present invention may also
be packaged as a surgical kit, combining the brush/sponge unit
itself, but also a selected component in a sealed package. The
sealed kit providing a ready-to-use cleansing and sterilization
assembly. In one aspect of this type of alternative embodiment, the
kit may include an antibiotic or fungicidal foaming fluid for
surgical use or cleansing of surgical instruments. In another
aspect of this alternative embodiment, the kit may include a grease
cutting fluid for cleansing delicate mechanical parts in an
industrial process. The benefits of providing a sealed ready-to-use
kit are many. For example, a surgeon or other professional may tear
open a sterilized ready-to-use scrub brush kit pre-loaded with
cleansing fluid to clean and sterilize a surgical tool. In another
example, a manufacturer may employ a pre-loaded brush kit to remove
cutting oil from a complex mechanical shape.
[0066] In the claims, means- or step-plus-function clauses are
intended to cover the structures described or suggested herein as
performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents
but also equivalent structures. Thus, for example, although a nail,
a screw, and a bolt may not be structural equivalents in that a
nail relies on friction between a wooden part and a cylindrical
surface, a screw's helical surface positively engages the wooden
part, and a bolt's head and nut compress opposite sides of a wooden
part, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail, a
screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by those skilled in the
art as equivalent structures.
[0067] In sum, although only a single or few exemplary embodiments
of this invention have been described in detail above, those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications
are possible in the exemplary embodiment(s) without materially
departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this
invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be
included within the spirit and scope of this invention as defined
in the following claims.
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